Honestly, I'm not sure exactly how I feel about this book. No question it's well written and attention-holding (though perhaps a hundred-or-so pages more than really needed). What amazes me most, I guess, is that it was originally published in 2006; that it so closely mirrors the worst that's going on - or what could yet go on if what's happening now is carried to extremes given the current U.S. administration - is positively eerie. Consider, for instance, this quote from the book's President Bruce Jansen:
"From now on we're letting the world take care of itself while we take care of each other here in God's own country. Reforming our way of thinking will pave the way."
It's impossible to believe the author could have known back then who would be the U.S. President in 2018, I have little doubt that the similarities are the impetus for the book's re-release now. It's also worth noting that the author takes aim at the potential for abuse of power - citing in his notes at the end of the book the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which he calls a "shadow government" that has "unlimited authority in all crisis situations." That unfettered power, coupled with corrupt government leaders, is an open invitation to disaster.
But on to the story which, even if you aren't aware of what's going on in the United States right now, stands on its own quite well. Yes, it's a bit over the top when it comes to believability (especially given the time frame in which everything happens), but certainly not beyond the realm of possibility. The aforementioned Jansen, as the Democratic governor of Virginia, embarks on a trip to China with several of the other important characters in the book including "Doggie" Curtis, who won the trip and, as a Republican, somewhat reluctantly accepts. The two hit it off, and Jansen tells her to come to him if she ever needs help. Not long afterward, the unthinkable happens: Jansen's wife is murdered - sending him in an emotional tailspin.
Fast-forward to 2008, when Doggie is 30 years old and working on Jansen's presidential campaign. She and friend Wesley Barefoot, who was on the China trip as well, expect to get jobs in the White House - and they do. Jansen has remarried, and his wife is pregnant with their first child. And the unthinkable happens once again: During a victory celebration at a hotel complex owned by Doggie's father, the president-elect's second wife is murdered. Worse, Doggie's father, once an outspoken opponent of Jansen, is arrested for the murder and sentenced to death.
Emotionally shattered once again, the new President makes his acceptance speech, in which he surprisingly deviates from his prepared text to announce "great and radical" changes. His proposal, in fact, pretty much kills the U.S. Constitution; and it's pretty clear he's serious. To say that all hell breaks loose from this point on would be an understatement. The media is gagged, military folks roam the streets to maintain order and "fringe" groups threaten uprisings. Worse, the political leaders and staff in Jansen's administration who don't agree with what he's doing either claim to support him outright or refuse to voice their objections in fear of retaliation.
Doggie finds herself at odds with the "new" laws as well as not at all certain that her father really is guilty as charged. But can she prove it? A direct encounter with Jansen's vice president not only puts her at odds with the powers-that-be, but on the run and not knowing who to trust. It's a wild ride with many twists and and a very surprise ending (as an aside, I think this would make a very good motion picture).
My conclusion? If you read this book wholly as a work of fiction - or if you don't give a hoot about current politics or don't live in the United States - it's likely you'll find it a very intriguing story on its own. While I've always leaned toward the no-hoot position, what's going on today has me in such a dither that it was tough for me to not worry even more that my country is headed down a slippery slope similar to what happens here. Now all I can do is try to put everything in these pages behind me and continue to hope that there is hope.
The Washington Decree by Jussi Adler-Olsen (Dutton, August 2018); 592 pp.
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